Whiteisms
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Etymology Journal ยท B

Below the belt

Meaning

Used to describe a comment or action that is unfairly cruel or unsportsmanlike. It refers to something that hits a person where they are most vulnerable.

Defensive, indignant

Used in a sentence

  • Making fun of his haircut was a bit below the belt, do not you think?
  • I know we were arguing, but bringing up my past mistakes was below the belt.
  • That was a below the belt jab during our meeting.

The backstory

This is a clear boxing reference. In professional boxing, landing a punch below the opponent's belt line is illegal and considered a dirty tactic.

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